Gun cases. As one who totes a fair number of guns around, I get more than my fair of time with gun cases. And I’ve got my favorites, to be sure–mostly bulletproof, waterproof, shockproof behemoths that are guaranteed to survive on those rare occasions when I need to dive to depths of 1,000 feet with a box full of revolvers.

But there’s a whole other element of case design that seems almost completely neglected. These are the cases meant to look like something else entirely. Diversionary cases. Cases that assist you in your efforts of obfuscation. Concealed carry.

These three from Gator Cases are excellent examples of what I mean. If you practice off-body carry, these three options may be a great way to meet your needs. So how does the case help you hide in plain sight? Easy. A little slight of hand. A diversion. The old look-at-this, instead-of-this….

Slide an iPad in the back, and you won’t have to open this case to access the tablet. Now why you need a case is logical–it is there to protect the iPad.

It sits ready beneath the protective flap, and is hardly hidden. The gun, though, is tucked safely beneath.

Off-body?

I know. Off body carry presents a whole new spectrum of safety concerns. First, of course, is control. If you carry in a bag, a case, a pack… you have to know you will be able to keep that extra item close. I often carry a .380 in my coat pocket in winter, and it can be awkward, as I can’t ever take my coat off and hang it on a hook.

So you need a convincing reason to carry whatever it is that you’re gun is hidden in.

The smaller case is meant for smaller guns and smaller tablets.

This GLOCK 42 fits neatly in the space, but there’s not much room to spare.

These Gator Cases add a plausible reason to keep the case close. They hold guns, of course, but anyone looking will just see the technology. Two are built for iPads. The other is built for smaller tablets. Even those who are petrified of guns will understand the protective desire to keep an eye on technology, so you won’t be drawing quite as much attention to yourself.

And inside, they offer a double layer of protection. You can open the cases without exposing the gun. They look like thick planners. And if you’re comfortable using the electronic scheduling on a tablet, no one will wonder why you never write anything in your paper calendar.

A flap inside the case keeps a gun covered, but immediately accessible.

The flap is held in place by hook-and-loop closures.

But let’s be clear. Thieves love to walk off with iPads. You are still responsible for your gun. Imagine the smile on some jackass’s face when he opens up the planner he’s just purloined to find a nice shiny pistol, too. And, depending on the gun you choose to hide, the case can be noticeably heavy. Don’t thud it down on the table, or you will attract attention.

How do you want to carry? These cases have handles, and some options include shoulder straps or padded wrist loops.

Why not off-body?

Let’s take a step back from the form and look at the function. Who needs to carry in a small grey case they have to keep at their side? Why not just wear a holster?

The answer here is simple. Small guns conceal well. Most of the time. Sometimes. But carry isn’t looked upon favorably everywhere. Even the thinnest mouse guns will print occasionally. These cases allow you to carry without the same level of risk you assume with a holster. The gun, in a well-tended case, is impossible to spot. It isn’t overly tactical. There are no MOLLE straps on the outside. It looks like an organizer.

But there’s more. This allows you more freedom with your wardrobe. It allows you to place a gun on a desk or a table, in front of you, that will allow you access quickly, even while seated. It allows you to move guns, stage guns, and even hide bigger guns–and it this last point that I find most appealing. I have task specific firearms. I may show up to a casual summer editorial meeting wearing shorts and a t-shirt, with a .25 in my front pocket. A case built around my iPad would allow me to carry my SIG P226.

Knowing me, I’d likely carry both. But you see what I mean. I’d have a lot more options.

Bigger case, bigger gun. This P226 is a bit of a stretch for the case, mostly because it has extended mag-well grips.

And my preferred mags won’t fit. The 20 rounders are too big for the cut out. Two minutes with an X-Acto would fix that, though.

Construction

Like all of the other Gator Cases I’ve seen (I used to be a hippy in a traveling band, so I’ve kicked around every guitar case on the market, too), these are well built. The cases have a mix of nylon and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The outer shells (made from the EVA–not gator skin) look like carbon-fiber, and have a rigidity that should wear well.

The zippers are sewn well, and protected nicely. Not water-proof, but almost.

The working hinge is made of reinforced webbing.

The zippers pull easily, even around the curved corners (a notoriously stressful point for zippers). The pulls have lockable loops, though I’d classify this as more of a feel-good lock that was designed to keep kids out of the cases. A lock on one of these would also draw attention to the case, instantly (which is not a reason to avoid using one).

Inside, the open cell foam is cut to allow for a variety of firearm designs. Revolvers fit, as do most autos. The pictures below will detail that. The larger cases will hold a gun with a 4.5″ barrel easily. I find that the foam is also pretty forgiving, so some 5 inch guns will still fit, too.

And, as these are still firearms cases, I’ll note this: the guns are well protected. So are the electronics. As cases go, these are solid options. They protect from dust, water, impact….

The G42 in the larger case.

The foam is cut for rough sizing.

Conclusion

So how much does one of these cost? The prices vary by size. $22.50, $26.99, $32.99. At that price, this is a great option to have on hand, just in case. It may not be the your choice for everyday carry, but it could be the perfect option for that one time….

I guess off body carry has it’s place. But honestly, attaching one of the most coveted items in the world for thieves seems like a bad idea. I could imagine the joy some low life would experience once he looked inside that IPad case after lifting it the moment opportunity arose. Not even his best friend, and partner in crime would let him have a gun. Now he’s got one anyway……..

this might be a great option for me. I fly & work on light airplanes for a living, and am always using an ipad for maintenance manuals or in flight info like charts & calculations. I like to carry a larger 10mm while flying as a survival/SD weapon, but don’t want to just leave it in my toolbox or flight bag, and occasionally don’t want to advertise that I’m armed. I’ll have to see if it will fit.